Ray McKinley

Video

Oral History Information

Interview Date
Birth Date
Deceased Date
Job Title
Musician, Drummer

This audio only interview was conducted for a radio program by Dan Del Fiorentino and donated to the NAMM Oral History program: Ray McKinley provided a swinging and consistent rhythm behind several big bands during the 1930s and 40s. He worked with the Dorsey Brothers, Will Bradley and Glenn Miller before forming his own orchestra. His influential drumming behind Glenn Miller's Army Air Force band has been cited by many percussionists as a launching point for their own passion. He also wrote a method book that was widely used for beginner drummers and he often held clinics in music stores to promote his method.